JKN plans Thai version of Zee hit Dance India Dance

ZEE has become the first Indian broadcaster to syndicate its home-grown format Dance India Dance to a foreign television network, through a deal with Thailand's JKN Global Media.

This marks the first time a general entertainment TV format from India has been licensed internationally, claims the Essel-owned media giant.

"At ZEE, we have always believed in developing in-house formats. It was our belief in the concept of Dance India Dance (DID) that led to its growth from the regional to the international platform. Through this partnership with JKN Global Media Limited, DID will not only reach out to the South-Asian diaspora but the local, mainstream audiences in Thailand as well," said Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited.

"Going forward, we hope to license not just Dance India Dance but our other home-grown formats to the international markets."

Andrew Suteestarpon, MD, JKN Global Media Limited Thailand, added: "I'm very pleased to develop the well-known format show called Dance India Dance into the local version. With the collaboration of ZEE, I strongly believe in the professional team and the corporate experience that can lead JKN Channel into achieving a high success rating with Dance Thailand Dance."

The deal will see the successful Indian format reach some 22 million homes in Thailand through the JKN Channel.

The show, which sees contestants aged between 16-30 showcase their dancing skills across a diverse range of styles, is currently auditioning for its fifth season in India.